Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), is a critical medical emergency where the blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked, often due to a blood clot. If you suspect a heart attack, it is essential to call an ambulance immediately.

When blood flow is blocked, it can cause severe damage to the heart muscle and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Common signs of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain – often described as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest
• Pain radiating to other areas – this may spread from the chest to the arms (usually the left arm but potentially both), neck, jaw, back, or abdomen
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Excessive sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• A feeling of intense anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
• Coughing or wheezing

The chest pain is typically intense, but some individuals may experience mild discomfort, similar to indigestion. Although chest pain is the most common symptom, it can vary widely. Some people may experience shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the jaw or back, without chest pain.

If you think someone is having a heart attack, call an ambulance immediately. The quicker you act, the better their chances.

Treatment for Heart Attacks

While waiting for an ambulance, chewing and swallowing an aspirin (preferably 300mg) may help, as long as the person isn’t allergic to it. Aspirin helps to thin the blood and improve circulation to the heart.

At the hospital, the treatment approach will depend on the type and severity of the heart attack. The main treatment options include:

• Medications to break down blood clots
• Surgical procedures to restore blood flow to the heart

Causes of a Heart Attack

The primary cause of heart attacks is coronary heart disease (CHD). In CHD, the coronary arteries become blocked by fatty deposits (plaques), reducing blood flow to the heart. A heart attack occurs when one of these plaques bursts, triggering the formation of a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood to the heart.

Recovery After a Heart Attack

Recovery time depends on the extent of heart muscle damage. Most individuals can return to work after a heart attack, though how quickly depends on their health, the extent of heart damage, and the nature of their job.

Recovery typically involves:

• Reducing the risk of another heart attack through lifestyle changes (such as a healthy diet) and medications (like statins to lower cholesterol)
• Gradually regaining physical fitness through cardiac rehabilitation to resume normal activities

Complications of a Heart Attack

Complications can arise and may be life-threatening, including:

• Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) that may stop the heart
• Cardiogenic shock, where the heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively
• Heart rupture, where the heart’s muscle, walls, or valves tear

These complications can occur quickly after a heart attack and are a leading cause of death. Some individuals may die suddenly from a heart attack complication before reaching the hospital or within the first month. However, with proper treatment, many people recover from a heart attack.

The prognosis depends on several factors:

• Age – older individuals are at greater risk for serious complications
• Severity of the heart attack – how much heart muscle was damaged
• How quickly treatment was administered – early treatment is critical
• Overall health

Preventing a Heart Attack

To reduce the risk of a heart attack (or having another one), consider the following steps:

• Quit smoking
• Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese
• Engage in regular physical activity – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider
• Follow a healthy diet rich in fibre, low in fat, and including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (at least five portions daily)
• Limit alcohol consumption